Congress to Overhaul Telecom Laws

Congress has begun to take the first steps necessary to modernize the Communications Act of 1996, which oversees much of the telecommunications industry. Lawmakers believe the law is out-of-date and doesn't reflect the needs of consumers, especially concerning the Internet and broadband. One of the changes being considered would give the Federal Communications Commission the ability to enforce its broadband and net neutrality policies. The FCC was slapped down by an appeals court decision earlier this year which suggested that the agency overstepped its authority when it scolded Comcast for throttling Internet speeds. Industry companies are opposed to government regulation, and insist the market is competitive without government oversight. The industry also believes government oversight might lead to regulatory controls over pricing. The process to overhaul the Communication Act is likely to take years. The last revision, which was completed in 1996, took five years to finalize.

I'm all for net neutrality, but the more regulation we pour into an industry the less room we leave for capitalism. Perhaps we simply need to loosen the laws to end some of the issues relating to telecom. For example, Comcast is able to throttle back data speeds because cable companies have local monopolies virtually everywhere, which are awarded by the government. If we end that monopoly Comcast would have to compete directly with other cable companies, and not just satellite and DSL, for market share. Therefore, if a company offered unlimited speeds based on what they could provide you would be able to leave comcast. Economically speaking this would improve market conditions for consumers.

Wrong!!! Comcast got caught throttling down the up and down speeds because of the lack of regulation. No regulation at all will allow companies to do want they want with little recourse, case in point BP and WALL STREET FIRMS hello. The regulation sho...(continues)

There are some areas that have too much regulation. Currently, the wireless industry does not have enough. Most individuals that work in and around the industry, feel that because it is a private sector, Government has no place in its matters. While ...(continues)

I think it's so cute that the industry doesn't want to be regulated. Really? You'd like to just do any old thing you want, eh? You'd like to just abuse your customers left and right, without anyone to answer to?

Uh, yeah, THINK AGAIN, HOTSHOT.

Can't be for law & order and against government regulation at the same time. Unless, of course, you don't mind being labeled a hypocrite.

you're right on the money, retrocool. i too think it's time for some changes in the telecom industry. for example why is it ok for the pharmaceutical industry to be regulated by the FDA but the FCC cant regulate the telecom company and shove a leash u...(continues)